The prop is an alumni from Clongowes Wood College SJ, which has nurtured the rugby talents of Gordon D’Arcy and both Rob and Dave Kearney in recent years.

O’Connell graduated from the Leinster Academy at the end of 2012/13 and is making his first strides as a member of the province’s senior squad.

23-year-old O’Connell has a wealth of inter-pro experience with Leinster A and is a veteran on three British & Irish Cup campaigns, most notably the Cup-winning campaign of 2012/13.

He made his first start for Ireland Under-20 in 2009 and won 12 caps, and a Six Nations championship, during his time with the side.

He was one of a host of young Leinster starlets to make his senior debut in September 2011, getting game time off the bench against Ospreys and Scarlets. The loosehead would have to bide his time until 2012/13 before senior opportunities presented themselves again.

In November 2012, O’Connell came off the bench to shore up the Leinster scrum on the province’s way to a tight, 6-0 win. Further sub appearances followed in victorious league matches with Cardiff, Treviso and Scarlets before the loosehead was given his first start. He packed down in the Leinster front row with Sean Cronin and Jamie Hagan, and tasted victory in a 26-19 result.

Loosehead competition will be come in the form of Jack McGrath and Cian Healy but O’Connell will hope to become an increasing presence in the Blues’ matchday 23.